U.S. Training Gets Underway in Columbus for WCQ

NewsJun 9, 2004

U.S. Men's National Team Training Camp UpdateJune 8, 2004Columbus, Ohio

UNDERWAY: The USA's Columbus training camp kicked off last night at Obetz, the training center for the host Columbus Crew. All 19 players enlisted by U.S. Manager Bruce Arena for the opening World Cup qualifier against Grenada were on hand, running through a light hour-long session. Tuesday's session was much more intense, a 90-minute workout held in the hot and humid conditions likely to be experienced Sunday afternoon. The team will train once daily throughout the week, with the final session set for Columbus Crew Stadium on Saturday.

HOMECOMING: Former Crew forward Brian McBride is the star of the show in Columbus, already the subject of heavy media and fan interest. The five-time MLS All-Star was featured in today's Columbus Dispatch, and has been interviewed by every local TV station (read his comments in the linked quote sheet below). McBride is coming off a two-goal performance for the U.S. against Honduras on June 2, having moved into second place on the all-time U.S. scoring charts with 25 career goals.

KELLER'S NEXT: After Claudio Reyna hit 100 caps and McBride moved up in the scoring ranks against Honduras, it's Kasey Keller's turn to take a run at the U.S. record books. With a victory against Grenada on Sunday, Keller would become the USA's all-time leader in wins for a goalkeeper (38), surpassing Tony Meola. Keller reached a different milestone last year, posting his team-leading 33rd career shutout after just 67 matches in the 5-0 win against Cuba in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on July 19, 2003 in Foxboro, Mass. Kasey is coming off a remarkable run of longevity on the club front, having played every minute of every match for two consecutive seasons at Tottenham Hotspur. Read about that accomplishment here.

GETTING TO KNOW GRENADA: After the U.S. Men’s National team opens their World Cup Qualifying campaign against Grenada on Sunday, the team heads to St. George’s, the capital of the small island nation. American fans might not know much about Grenada or the people who live there, so ussoccer.com takes a brief glimpse into the world surrounding the “Spice Boyz." To read the full story, click here.